Solar Panel Cost Guide in Las Flores, CA (2023 Update)
- Las Flores Solar Installation Cost: $5,512
- 25-Year Savings: $15,393
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Las Flores
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Las Flores.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Las Flores it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,504 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Las Flores for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Las Flores
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,442 |
| 3 years | $-5,303 |
| 5 years | $-5,163 |
| 7 years | $-5,024 |
| 9 years | $-4,885 |
| 11 years | $-4,745 |
| 13 years | $-4,606 |
| 15 years | $-4,467 |
| 17 years | $-4,327 |
| 19 years | $-4,188 |
| 21 years | $-4,048 |
| 23 years | $-3,909 |
| 25 years | $-3,770 |
Top Solar Installers in Las Flores
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Las Flores
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Las Flores
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Las Flores: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Las Flores, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $31,563 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,389 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $53,369 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,501 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $75,787 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $87,225 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $98,816 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $110,560 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Las Flores, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Las Flores?
The average cost of solar panels in Las Flores is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Las Flores?
You can't get solar panels for free in Las Flores. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Las Flores?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.